Kristin Barnett District 186 School Board Member

09/03/2025

Last night's school board meeting covered the deficit spending plan we are working under to make sure ends meet with as few changes impacting teachers, classrooms, and students as possible.

Sarah Blissett's comments last night were on point and her explanation below sums it up well.

I want to add to the conversation that I will stand up for Scope, always, because it is the right thing to do- for students and families across this District.

It could be argued that last night the idea was to not get rid of Scope, but instead hand over the majority of the cost to another organization. While that is true, that is specifically WHY we have to stand up for Scope

"Handing off the employment portion" means eliminating Union jobs, which I will never support.

We need to tighten our belts, get creative, band together as a District to figure out the best path forward for everyone, but I do not believe privatizing Scope is the way to do it. Our Scope employees deserve the livable wages and benefits that come from being part of a Union. And our families and students deserve well qualified Scope employees that can and want to provide the care and special attention that some of our most vulnerable students require.

That is why I always have, and always will support, stand up for, and only vote for measures that promote union work, and support the families of the District.

08/31/2025

It was such a pleasure to be able to speak at the Springfield & Central Il Trades & Labor Council Labor Day Picnic! Thank you to all that attended for all that you do to contribute to labor!

08/08/2025

08/07/2025

There’s something powerful about a child hearing a story read aloud, especially when it’s read by someone they look up to.

This year, we’re excited to continue Real Men Read across all 1st and 3rd grade classrooms in District 186. This isn’t just about reading books. It’s about building trust, showing up, and being a steady, positive presence in a child’s life.

We’re calling on dads, grandfathers, uncles, coaches, community leaders, and friends, you. One visit a month. One classroom. One story. But the impact? It lasts for years.

🗓 Join us August 14 at 5:30 p.m.
📍 3063 Fiat Avenue
To learn more and see how you can get involved.

Together, let’s raise readers, and role models.

07/23/2025

07/05/2025

I had an incredible time marching in the Jerome 4th of July Parade with my boys alongside Senator Doris Turner and so many amazing community members! 🇺🇸

It was an honor to celebrate the holiday with friends, neighbors, and families — all while sharing my passion for our students and the future of District 186.

Hope you all had a safe, joyful, and memorable 4th of July! 🎆✨

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July! May everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

06/25/2025

📣 Looking for a new job? Ready for a fresh start? Come work with District 186!

District 186 is hosting an Open Career Fair TOMORROW from 9 AM – 3 PM at our District Office (3063 Fiat Ave.)—and YOU’RE invited!

We’re hiring for a variety of positions:
✔️ Paraprofessionals
✔️ Teaching Assistants
✔️ Teachers
✔️ Security
✔️ Custodial
✔️ Clerical
✔️ Substitute Teachers
…and more!

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a meaningful change, there’s a place for you in our schools. Come meet our team, ask questions, and see how you can make a difference in the lives of students across Springfield!

05/24/2025

District 186 Summer Meals

Free Breakfast and Lunch will be served to children 18 years of age and younger at all of the participating locations. Children do not have to be District 186 students to eat.

05/06/2025

It's official!!! I got sworn in last night as a member of the School Board for District 186!

Thank you to everyone who came, sent messages, helped with the campaign, all of it!

04/29/2025

Today, our hearts break for the families and community devastated by the unimaginable loss of four precious children. As a parent myself, I cannot begin to fathom the depth of pain, sorrow, and anger that comes with such a tragedy.

There are no words that can mend the shattered hearts of those who loved them, but there is something we must hold onto — the sacredness of every moment we have with the ones we love. Their loss reminds us that life is fragile and precious, and that our responsibility to protect one another, especially our children, is greater than ever.

This tragedy calls on all of us to be better — to make choices that put the safety and well-being of others above all else. It calls on us to love deeper, to be more present, and to honor the lives lost by living with greater compassion and responsibility.

Today, we mourn with these families. We stand with them. And in their honor, may we recommit ourselves to building a world where every child is safe, and every life is cherished beyond measure.

04/13/2025

Took my favorite rally buddy with me to stand up for Public Education. I explained to Killian last November why I was running for School Board, because there are some bad people out there that don't want him and his classmates to have great schools that help every child. He loves his school and says all of the time "My mommy is going to protect my school". While I might not be the super mom he sees me as, but alongside great Board Members, like the two who got to speak at the rally, I know we can do great things!